PSG builders / players on steel shows

Johnny Cox · Posted 19 Mar 2007 1:58 pm

This is a two part post that I think will interest you.
Part #1 PSG builder / player
Most of us PSG builders are also players. There are some builders that we never get to hear though. One in particular is Bruce Zumsteg. Everone knows that Bruce builds a great guitar but he is also a fine steel player. I would personally like to see more guys like Bruce, Del Mullen, Gary Carpenter,(Rains) (just to name a couple) on steel shows. I know from experience that we all have a hard time finding time to play much less prepare for a show. Still yet, these guys need to be heard. I would ask some of the organizers of the shows to invite Bruce and others to play, and for these guys to accept the invite. We need to hear you Bruce.
Part #2 Awards
Many of the shows have awards for various things. Hall of Fame, Player of the Year, Volunteer of the year and so on. I think that builders have been over looked through the years. Certainly some builders / designers are in the HOF but there has been no particular recognition on a yearly basis for builders / designers. Now before you get your fur up I'm not looking for anything for me. I'm a newbe and I know it. But there needs to be recognition for folks like Harry and David Jackson, Bud Carter, Del Mullen, Bruce Zumsteg, Jerry Fessenden, Mark Giles and too many others to mention. Here is another challenge to the organizers / club officers of the shows. Give these guys their due recognition.
_________________
Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967.

Bill Ferguson · From: Milton, FL USA

Hey Johnny,
I could not agree with you more on both issues.
I've seen people involved with the conventions for countless years and no one even know they are there.

I for one love to hear new pickers, great or not so great. I feel that most anyone that tackles this crazy instrument and sticks with it, needs to be heard.

I know some of the shows have talent nights, but it is also the same group of talent over and over every year.

Scotty and I have talked about this many times, that some new legends need to be created. However, it seems as though we still have the same players at every show.

I would like not to omit ANY player that works these shows, but since there is a time restraint, why not have a rotation basis. Keeping enough of the real pros to draw a crowd, but have the pros rotate also.

It would also help keep the shows from becoming boring to so many. I hear people all the time say, yeah we go to show for the fellowship, not for the music. We've heard it over and over.

Just my 2 cents worth, and thanks for starting this thread.

Your buddy,
Bill Ferguson
_________________
AUTHORIZED George L's, Goodrich, Telonics and Peavey Dealer: I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables, Goodrich Baby Bloomer and Peavey Nashville 112. Can't get much sweeter.

Bill Simmons · From: Keller, Texas/Birmingham, AL, R.I.P.

Johnny has a great idea about honoring the folks who work so hard building our instruments, amps, accessories etc. In Alabama, we have an award for just those people. Bud Carter was honored in '06 and Bob Simmons (no relation) from Simmons Steel Guitars (Alabama)in '07 were honored for there dedication to the building steel guitar products. We have plans for Jimmy Webb WEbb Amps); Hartley Peavey; Jacksons (Shot, David,Harry); Ron Lashley; Bennett family (MSA); Paul Bigsby; and yes, even Mr. Emmons fits this category; etc (soooo many folks behind the scenes) for their contribution to building our equipment.

Bruce Z. is one super fine player that has a wonderful touch and some very good chops -- Gary Carpenter is one of the best all around steel player on both tunings anywhere plus Del Mullen etc.

Bill F. mentioned an interesting issue regarding how many people go to the conventions to visit their friends etc as they have heard the the wonderful players time and time again. I LOVE all of them and never tire of hearing them but Bill's idea of adding some fresh outstanding players like Buck Reid (Lyle Lovet Band); Mike Johnson; Randle Currie (Brad Paisley); Dan Dugmore; Wayne Dahl (Martina McBride)plus many more would be great IF they are not on the road.

There are so many incredible 'little known' players that most people have not had the opportunity to hear that are superb. They are fresh in their playing styles and song selections. Just a thought...

Keith Hilton · From: 248 Laurel Road Ozark, Missouri 65721

Johnny I like what you said. I don't know anyone getting rich building stuff for the steel guitar world. Most of the guys building products for steel guitar are doing it because they love the pedal steel guitar, not for the profit. I have pretty much quit going to shows unless I am invited to play. Some of the shows see the product builder as just a way to get $150.00 to $400.00 display booth rental. Yes, Bruce Zumsteg can play good. Many of the builders can play good. I guess you could say I got my "award/honor" from people in Washington DC last year, in the form of a United States Patent on the electronics inside my volume pedal.

David L. Donald · From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

A Steel Builders Picking Hour
in a show would be nice.

Seems like 2-3 could fit in a quick set.

Of course Reece would need 2 hours alone... Smile

_________________
DLD, Chili farmer. Plus bananas and papaya too.

Real happiness has no strings attached.
But pedal steels have many!

Johnny Cox · Posted 20 Mar 2007 11:32 am

There are so many folks who need to be honored. Amp builders like Jim Evans and Hartly Peavey, pack-a-seat designer Duane Marrs (Shot said nobody would buy one), the folks at Goodrich and on and on. We would never run out of people to recieve these awards.
_________________
Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967.

Terry Wood · From: Lebanon, MO

Well, I am in agreement with this post and will ay that I have tried to do what I can with inviting alot of great but lesser known steel players, those that don't get to play at the larger steel shows.

Last year we had our First Annual Steel Guitar Show at Marshfield, MO. I had no idea of who would or would not come. It turned out to be successful because the players came out to support and play at it. To be honest I think we had a terrific steel guitar show with the players like Mike McGee, Tyler Hall, Keith Hilton, Jack Musgrave, Jerry Roller, Terry Bethel, Rob Parker, Jimmy Burrell, Scotty Henderson and others. Most of these are not names you see or hear at the larger shows but let me asure you all these guys can pick and pick well.

Special credit and thanks goes to people like Mr. Fred Layman, Terry Bethel and Rob Parker who are well known and yet they came and supported us, and I am truly grateful to them for their support.

We have decided to go again this year for round 2 on June the 9th, 2007 at The Jubilee THeater at Marshfield, MO.

I want to mention that we also invited several builders of steels and the steel products last year and again this year, and most declined to come for whatever reasons. In fact, one told me that he didn't have time for the little shows anymore, he just done the big show at St. Louis and Dallas, TX. Fine, but I think we need to all pull together and support all the steel guitar shows.

At our show we charge only $10 for the entire day's events. You do have to buy your food and any cds, tapes, dvds, etc. The food concessions is run by those who own the building so we don't get any of those funds either. However, we keep the cost down so we can draw everyone, including the local public. Because I am a school teacher here and teach kiddos in this town, I let children under 12 in free with a paying adult. I don't care if there's 20 kids they get in free. I am not in this to make money but rather support and promote steel guitar. Others may disagree, but I do the best I can with what the Good Lord gives me to work with.

Your all invited to or show and yes we have a bunch rearing to pick already. Hope to see you all on the 9th of June, 2007.

May GOD bless each of you!

Terry Wood

Terry Wood · From: Lebanon, MO

Once again, though we are small we tried to give special recognition to some of those teachers and builders at our first show last year.

Terry Wood

Keith Hilton · From: 248 Laurel Road Ozark, Missouri 65721

I played Terry's show in Marshfield last year. I was presented with a very nice award that is hanging on my shop wall. I am extremely proud of the award. Terry does not charge anything for someone who wants a booth to sell their products. Terry, thanks for the invite to play this year's show. I really regret to tell you I can't make it this year, as I have a scheduled trip out of state on that weekend. Please let John Daughtery take my place on steel guitar, with Gary Atkinson and his son,along with Donnie Tummons.

Terry Wood · From: Lebanon, MO

Hi Keith,

Sorry to hear you can't make it to this year's show. Have John Daughtery contact me, because we are filling up fast.

Terry Wood

Morton Kellas · From: Chazy, NY, USA 1

Johnny, that is so very thoughtful of you. I couldn't agree with you more.

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